Top and Bottom – Most & Least Improved Places

The Independent recently ran a post listing the top 5 most improved places for the GLBT community, and the top 5 worst. May not be a huge surprise, but informative nevertheless. However, this is a great reminder of how important it is to check ahead before making travel or vacation plans. Let’s not forget about the lesbian couple who were sent to jail in Dubai for kissing on the beach.

First, the 5 most improved;

Delhi

The Indian capital has a flourishing scene and this year celebrated its first gay pride march. Homosexuality remains illegal under a British law from 1860, but this now faces a constitutional challenge in the High Court.

Shanghai

Homosexuality is legal in China and a fast growing scene exists in its most Westernized city.

Tel Aviv

Israel is the only Middle-Eastern country to support gay rights legislation, and the country attracts gay people from Palestine and Lebanon. Tel Aviv has a growing scene and is tolerant and gay-friendly for both men and women.

Cape Town

Homosexuality was legalized in South Africa in 1994 and in 2006 it became the first African country to legalize gay marriage. Cape Town is proud of its expanding gay scene.

Havana

It is nearly 50 years since Castro declared homosexuality “a bourgeois perversion” and all laws against it have now been overturned. Cuba is a popular destination for gay men and women and there is a busy scene.

And now, the 5 worst;

Saudi Arabia

Homosexuality is punished with the death penalty or, occasionally, a severe whipping.

Iran

In 2007 President Ahmadinejad declared that homosexuality did not exist in his country. Should the need arise, however, there is a law against it carrying a punishment of anything from jail to public lashing to death.

Jamaica

The worst place in all the Americas to be gay. Male homosexuality is against the law and the punishment is 10 years hard labor.

Afghanistan

The death penalty introduced under the Taliban is no longer officially enforced, but it depends who catches you.

Nigeria

Homosexuality is illegal and punishment can be anything from four years to the death penalty. Even writing or talking about support for gay people can land you in prison.

Also, remember when making those travel plans, check with pinkchoice.com. A site that provides new for gay travelers looking for the best in gay accommodations, with reviews written by people like you for you.